Technology Selection: Reducing Fire Risk in Rooftop Solar PV Systems

This IDC Energy Insights report examines the risk of fires in solar PV systems and the technologies that help prevent these fires. The report details the different ways in which electrical systems can fail, the ways in which these failures can cause fires, and the steps taken to detect and mitigate these failures before a fire can occur. Comparisons are made between the well-documented risk of fires in household electrical distribution systems and the less-understood risk of fires in rooftop solar PV systems. Additions to the U.S. 2011 National Electrical Code meant to address the risk of fire in certain types of rooftop PV systems are reviewed, and the impact of these changes on solar systems in the United States is assessed. Finally, recommendations are made for solar industry vendors and solar PV system owners, which must comply with the new requirements of the U.S. National Electric Code.

According to Jay Holman, IDC Energy Insights research manager, "All too often new fire safety requirements do not make it into the code until a tragic event raises awareness of risks to the national level, but arc-fault protection in rooftop PV systems provides an example of how an industry can take proactive measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring."